The American state ofIowa sued TikTokarguing that the platform misleads parents about the type of content available to younger users.
According to the Iowa Attorney General, Brenna Birdthe well-known social network would host “Sexual content, drugs, alcohol, strong foul language, self-harming messages, and other R-rated content“, making the videos unsuitable for children and teenagers. For Bird, TikTok’s claims regarding the amount of inappropriate content are “Infrequent” are not truthful.
In fact, Iowa disputes the classification of the app which, on App Storeis considered as suitable from 12 years. In support of the state’s criticisms, it was reported that on the platform it is easy to come across provocative dances by women in bikinis or advice on the use of marijuana or similar substances. However, the investigation also brought to light videos promoting self-harm, suicide and eating disorders.
Iowa against TikTok: it is not the first time that the social network clashes with an American state
According to Apple classification, the next age range is that aged 17 and over. Falling into this category, an app can contain offensive language, sexual content, nudity, alcohol, and drugs.
Iowa’s legal move against TikTok is based on the request to the Consumer Fraud Act to force the platform to put an end to “Your deceptive, misleading, false and unfair statements and conduct” relating to the content that parents expect given the community guidelines and its classification in the various digital stores.
The cause also criticizes the Restricted Modedesigned by TikTok for younger users, claiming that it doesn’t work properly.
Iowa is certainly not the first American state to take legal action against the social network. Last year, in fact, it was the turn of Montanagiven the concern about TikTok’s proximity to the China and its government.